Adler, Felix

From Encyclopediak

Adler, Felix (1851- ), educator, author and reformer, born in Alzey, Germany. At the early age of six, the removal of the family to America brought him to New York City, where his father became a Hebrew rabbi. In 1870 he graduated at Columbia College and later studied at Berlin and Heidelberg, obtaining the degree of Ph. D. Returning to the United States, in 1874 he was made professor of Hebrew and Oriental literature at Cornell University. Two years later he removed to New York City, where he organized a new religious order, the Society of Ethical Culture, the influence of which has been widespread. In 1902 he resumed his educational work as professor of political and social ethics in Columbia University. Besides his many contributions to periodicals, his publications include Creed and Deed, The Moral Instruction of Children, The Essential Difference Between the Ethical Societies and the Churches, Life and Destiny, and An Ethical Philosophy of Life.